NEW YORK — The Fire Department of New York is launching a pilot program aimed at reducing emissions from idling ambulances.
CBS New York reported the department will place ambulance charging station throughout the city in an effort to reduce the amount of time ambulances keep their engines on and running.
“Each ambulance, when running, we found put 45 tons of carbon emission into the atmosphere per year,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.
Up until this point, ambulances were forced to remain idling for long stretches of time to keep equipment charged and medicine at the correct temperature.
“Our ambulances have to be kept at a certain temperature. They have to be kept running, so the equipment is charged, so the radios work,” Nigro said.
Now, EMTs will be able to pull up to a charging station, turn off the engine, and plug in for power.
“It would look something like these stations where you pay for parking, and receive a little parking ticket,” Nigro said.
Aside from some concerns about the charging stations taking up valuable parking, the idea has been met with a positive response.
Nigro did not address if the emission-reduction plan would delay patient care or transport.
The FDNY plans to install 30 charging stations in the next 18 months.
Most of the program will be funded by state grants.